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Why in the world can I not use *.* in Windows 7 search? All I want to do is return all the files in all the sub-directories in one location so I can sort by dimensions. Any one know how to return all files in a Windows search?

2 Answers 2

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Try searching for ~* in the directory that you want to search.

The Tilde (~) lets you use the old DOS search syntax. The asterisk (*) means "return everything".

You could also use type:NOT"file folder" which would exclude the listing of all the folders but show all files.

Some sources for advanced query syntax:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb266512%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa965711%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/technicalresources/advquery.mspx

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  • Awesome, the ~* worked perfectly. Thanks a lot.
    – Sam
    Jan 16, 2011 at 4:20
  • @perlox Hi perlox. Glad I could help! Please mark the answer with a check mark to indicate that your question has been answered.
    – James T
    Jan 16, 2011 at 4:25
  • Oops sorry, almost forgot. Thanks for the reminder :P
    – Sam
    Jan 16, 2011 at 8:04
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I'm pretty sure just a ! will return everything in a given folder you're searching from.

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  • You should verify your answer.
    – Ramhound
    Apr 13, 2017 at 23:23
  • Not sure what you're looking for, but I assure you that I tested (and researched to confirm) before posting the answer. Shall I provide screenshots? Is there an issue you've found with this approach?
    – rainabba
    Apr 14, 2017 at 23:45

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